Tiger girls

We asked them to paint our arms and legs too, but they were worried the younger kids might think we were real big cats. 
 

First day of school, and last first day of school

It's the start of 8th grade and 4th grade -- we're gonna miss summer a lot, but it will be nice to catch up with all of our friends again. 

Of course, this isn't just any first day of school for Jonathan. Today is his last first day at St. Pius -- he graduates next spring after nine years at the school. And he hasn't changed a bit in all that time. Just look at his kindergarten picture:

OK, maybe he grew a little. 

I'm pretty happy to see my new classmates. I'm less thrilled about all the pictures. 

But the school did set up a "welcome back" photo booth that Jonathan and I took advantage of. Now bring on those math tests!

Thumbin' my way into North Caroline

We took an end-of-summer trip down to Raleigh this weekend to check another state off of Jonathan's list of place to visit. The natural history museum there was pretty cool. I'm glad they didn't have a live shark, though.

They did have a neat aquarium with this giant turtle. All three of us are smiling, but I know it's hard to tell. 

They also had a pretty great dinoaur exhibit. We tried to measure how tall this guy was in Emmas, but we couldn't toss her all the way to the top. 

Then it was a trip across town to see our first concert -- Pentatonix! 

Grandmom tagged along with us for the show. I think she knew more of the songs than us, but you can see below that we all had a great time. 

Kiddie playground

After you run a mile to get ready for cross country practice, any seat is a good one. 
 

Grandmom group hug

Are you sure we can't stay at the beach for just a few more days? 
 

The view from the zoo

The Cape May Zoo is always a great visit, especially because it distracts us from the fact that we can't stay at the shore all year long. 

What did the Dad buffalo say when he left for work? "Bi-son."

The leopards aren't as cool as the cheetahs but they are still very underrated. 

 

I don't remember which animal this was but it looked awfully hungry. 

We could probably take a peacock home as a souvenir. It seems happy to follow us! 

The view from the boards

We'd go even higher if they'd crank up the speed on this thing!

No escape room challenge can keep us trapped for long. 

I never thought about what a flip-flop's face would look like, but now I know. 

You can see all the way back to the rental house from here.

The jokes as we pass by this place never get less funny.  

Sunset ice cream may be even better than afternoon ice cream. 

The view from the sand

No, Mom, I swear to you the water is sooooo warm today. 

Next year I think we need to bring at least five or ten more buckets. 

Sure, laying on the sand is warm, but laying under the sand is even warmer. 

I can't decide if this is our best idea or worst idea, but we're getting wet either way!

The pro tour

I knew those living room putting sessions would pay off!
 

Boadwalk strut

It's time to head back down the shore, and you know what the first stop has to be: 
 

There's ice cream and then there is boardwalk ice cream. And you just can't beat boardwalk ice cream.  

More putting practice

I've got to bounce it off the chair, around the doll crib, and over Jonathan's socks to reach the hole. This is great pactice for beach mini-golf!
 

Unplanned family portrait

Yes, Dad and Jonathan totally wanted to be in the picture with me and I didn't have to drag them in by their necks. Why do you ask?